Broadband communications: short-term realization and impact on public networks

Within the framework of the European RACE (Research and Development in Advanced Communication Technologies in Europe) program integrated broadband communication is in the centre of interest. The intentions behind the RACE activities are the introduction, the use and the promotion of new technologies and networks associated with multimedia (MM) and broadband communication. RACE BANK (R2027) is one of the numerous application projects. Here, the focus does not lie on the development of advanced technologies but more on the exploitation of these technologies for concrete application scenarios in different business areas. General aims are to involve potential end-users as early as possible in the assessment of chances and risks associated with new services and technologies, and to familiarize them with evolving new features offered by broadband networks. BANK concentrates on the realization of a pilot application in the banking environment. The basic concept, the realization alternatives within the timeframe of the project (´92-´94), and an outlook towards the future are presented